Food manufacturer in the
Middletown, NY areais seeking a dynamic, hands-on
Manufacturing Engineerwith a
specialized background in ammonia systemsto lead their production engineering team. This role requires a unique blend of frontline tactical execution and strategic leadership; you will be directly on the plant floor troubleshooting equipment and optimizing lines while simultaneously coaching and guiding a team of technicians and operators. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge of ammonia handling, safety protocols, and material compatibility, coupled with the natural ability to lead people, manage projects, and cultivate a culture of safety and operational excellence.
Responsibilities- Lead, mentor, and day-to-day manage a team of technicians and operators, fostering a highly collaborative, accountable, and safety-first work environment.
- Serve as the hands-on, frontline technical expert on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, resolve process deviations, and eliminate production bottlenecks.
- Design, scale, and optimize manufacturing processes involving ammonia systems to improve yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
- Oversee the technical integrity, hands-on maintenance, and operation of ammonia storage, piping, and delivery systems.
- Lead Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, and Pre-Start Up Safety Reviews (PSSR), ensuring the team is fully trained on results.
- Ensure strict compliance with OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard and the EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP).
- Specify, select, and oversee the installation of new manufacturing equipment, ensuring compatibility with ammonia (e.g., proper metallurgy, sealing materials, and leak detection).
- Act as project manager for capital expenditure (CapEx) initiatives from conceptual design through budgeting, procurement, hands-on installation, and commissioning.
- Develop, update, and train the team on standard operating procedures (SOPs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and manufacturing workflows.
Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- 3 to 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, including proven experience leading, supervising, or managing a technical team.
- At least 2 years of direct, hands-on experience handling anhydrous or aqueous ammonia systems.
- Strong, demonstrated leadership capability with a track record of coaching team members and driving accountability.
- A true "roll-up-your-sleeves" mindset with a passion for working directly on the factory floor alongside operators and maintenance teams.
- Proven experience working within OSHA PSM-regulated facilities.
- Deep understanding of ammonia properties, thermodynamics, and material compatibility (e.g., avoiding copper/brass, utilizing specific steel alloys).
- Proficiency in reading and creating P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and CAD modeling software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between high-level engineering concepts and floor-level execution.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S) is a plus.
- RETA certification (CARO or CIRO) or a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly preferred.
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